News for '-polls'

Election of 45 Bihar MLAs challenged in HC

Election of 45 Bihar MLAs challenged in HC

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Petitions have been filed in the Patna High Court challenging the election of 45 members of the Bihar legislative assembly, including Speaker Prem Kumar.

Mukul Roy, ex-railway minister and TMC leader, passes away

Mukul Roy, ex-railway minister and TMC leader, passes away

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Veteran politician and former railway minister Mukul Roy, a key figure in West Bengal politics, has died due to cardiac arrest, marking the end of a significant era.

Congress sets sights on 100-seat comeback in Kerala polls

Congress sets sights on 100-seat comeback in Kerala polls

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced the Congress party's goal to win 100 seats in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. He highlighted the party's strategy, including early candidate selection, opportunities for youth, and addressing alleged alliances between CPI(M) and BJP.

'People reject you, you want publicity': SC raps Prashant Kishor's party

'People reject you, you want publicity': SC raps Prashant Kishor's party

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a petition by Jan Suraaj Party seeking annulment of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, citing violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The court directed the party to approach the Patna High Court.

SC rejects plea against Assam CM Sarma over 'shooting' video

SC rejects plea against Assam CM Sarma over 'shooting' video

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has declined to entertain petitions seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding a viral video, advising petitioners to approach the Gauhati High Court instead.

'In Bangladesh, 2 Plus 2 Is Not Always 4'

'In Bangladesh, 2 Plus 2 Is Not Always 4'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'It is either 22 or 0.'

NCP-SP reaches out to Uddhav Sena for Mumbai civic poll tie-up

NCP-SP reaches out to Uddhav Sena for Mumbai civic poll tie-up

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil met with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to discuss a potential alliance for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The meeting follows an alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray. Discussions are ongoing, with the NCP (SP) advocating for a united Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) approach.

LS Speaker Om Birla to represent India at Tarique's swearing-in

LS Speaker Om Birla to represent India at Tarique's swearing-in

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's next prime minister, Tarique Rahman. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Secretary-General of Lok Sabha Utpal Kumar Singh are also likely to accompany Birla.

'Congress Eyeing 2036 Polls'

'Congress Eyeing 2036 Polls'

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

'It is clear they have accepted that the next two elections belong to the BJP.'

Despite Cong flak, Aiyar sticks to claim of Vijayan's return

Despite Cong flak, Aiyar sticks to claim of Vijayan's return

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Aiyar's endorsement of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ignited a political firestorm, drawing sharp rebukes from his own party.

Is Congress-DMK alliance sliding towards collapse over power tussle?

Is Congress-DMK alliance sliding towards collapse over power tussle?

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The DMK leads the multi-party Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu and the constituents include the Congress and the Left parties.

Uddhav's party helps BJP clinch Chandrapur mayor post

Uddhav's party helps BJP clinch Chandrapur mayor post

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

In a surprising turn of events, BJP corporator Sangeeta Khandekar was elected as the mayor of Chandrapur Municipal Corporation with the support of Shiv Sena (UBT), dealing a blow to the Congress party's aspirations.

States' fiscal arithmetic tightens in FY27; deficit seen at 3% of GDP

States' fiscal arithmetic tightens in FY27; deficit seen at 3% of GDP

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) has projected the aggregate fiscal deficit of states to rise to 3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2026-27 (FY27), from an estimated 2.8 per cent in 2025-26 (FY26), citing higher revenue expenditure amid election-related pressures and scheme cost-sharing requirements.

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Sensitive issues remain. Water sharing of the Ganga and Teesta rivers. Treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus. Border management. Trade imbalances. Connectivity projects.What happens next will shape not just bilateral ties, but the balance of South Asia itself, points out Ramesh Menon.

SC to hear PIL on election-time freebies by political parties

SC to hear PIL on election-time freebies by political parties

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in March seeking action against political parties that promise or distribute 'irrational freebies' before elections. The PIL argues that such practices unduly influence voters and undermine the fairness of the electoral process.

SIR hearing: Will Mamata argue in SC today?

SIR hearing: Will Mamata argue in SC today?

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court will hear on Wednesday a plea filed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee challenging the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state.

Modi invites Bangladesh's new PM Tarique Rahman to visit India

Modi invites Bangladesh's new PM Tarique Rahman to visit India

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India, conveying his best wishes to the newly sworn-in leader.

Over 60% Bangladeshis vote 'yes' to change Constitution

Over 60% Bangladeshis vote 'yes' to change Constitution

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

A referendum on the implementation of a reform package in Bangladesh saw a 60.26 per cent voter turnout, with the 'yes' vote winning a clear majority, the Election Commission announced.

India ready to back new BNP govt: Om Birla in Dhaka

India ready to back new BNP govt: Om Birla in Dhaka

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, conveying India's support for Bangladesh's democratic and progressive development and extending an invitation from PM Modi to visit India.

BJP, alliance sweep Maha local body polls; money power, says Oppn

BJP, alliance sweep Maha local body polls; money power, says Oppn

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

The opposition Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) conceded defeat in the elections to municipal councils and nagar panchayats, accusing the election commission of 'facilitating' the victory of the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

Tarique Rahman's remarkable turnaround from 17-year self-exile

Tarique Rahman's remarkable turnaround from 17-year self-exile

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Tarique Rahman, after 17 years in self-exile, has led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to a significant victory, becoming the country's Prime Minister. This marks a major turnaround for the BNP after years of being targeted by the Awami League government.

Does NCP merger now depend on BJP's political green signal?

Does NCP merger now depend on BJP's political green signal?

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Senior NCP leader Hasan Mushrif admitted that Ajit Pawar was holding talks with NCP (SP) leaders on the merger of the two factions before his death.

Pankaja Munde's helicopter faces snag ahead of take-off

Pankaja Munde's helicopter faces snag ahead of take-off

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

A technical snag was detected in a helicopter scheduled to transport Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde for campaigning, delaying her journey. The issue was discovered during a routine inspection, leading to the grounding of the helicopter and a DGCA investigation.

Sabarimala women's entry issue returns ahead of SC hearing

Sabarimala women's entry issue returns ahead of SC hearing

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The Sabarimala temple women's entry issue has resurfaced in Kerala, leading to a political debate between the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress, as the Supreme Court is scheduled to consider review petitions related to its 2018 verdict.

Tharoor named star campaigner day after meeting Rahul

Tharoor named star campaigner day after meeting Rahul

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Shashi Tharoor's relationship with Congress leaders in Kerala appears to be improving after a meeting with Rahul Gandhi. A prominent state leader announced Tharoor will be a star campaigner for the party-led UDF in the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls.

BMC Poll: What Gen Z Voters Hope For

BMC Poll: What Gen Z Voters Hope For

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

While many young voters skip the municipal elections believing the outcome is already decided, 27-year-olds, Rahul Java and Aksh Shah, have been voting since they turned 18.

Meet 4 minority candidates who won Bangladesh election

Meet 4 minority candidates who won Bangladesh election

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

In the recent Bangladesh elections, four minority candidates, including two Hindus, secured parliamentary seats, highlighting the evolving political landscape and representation of minority communities within the BNP's victory.

SIR process only for deletion, not inclusion, Mamata tells SC

SIR process only for deletion, not inclusion, Mamata tells SC

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Banerjee is personally present in court room one along with her lawyers. A gate pass was issued in the chief minister's name on Tuesday.

Former Doordarshan newsreader Sarla Maheshwari dies at 71

Former Doordarshan newsreader Sarla Maheshwari dies at 71

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Maheshwari was the familiar face of TV news from 1976 right up till 2005 along with Salma Sultan, Minu Talwar, Shammi Narang, Geetanjali Aiyer, Neeti Ravindran and others.

Rohit Pawar flags doubts over Ajit Pawar crash, plans Feb 10 reveal

Rohit Pawar flags doubts over Ajit Pawar crash, plans Feb 10 reveal

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar has raised doubts about the circumstances surrounding the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in an air crash and plans to provide a detailed presentation on the matter.

VIDEO: Modi makes historic landing at Assam highway airstrip

VIDEO: Modi makes historic landing at Assam highway airstrip

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Northeast's first Emergency Landing Facility in Assam, boosting regional defense and disaster response capabilities.

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Bangladesh's newly-elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged to strengthen the rule of law and ensure the country is a safe land for people of all faiths, while also addressing corruption and improving law and order.

Allies Sena-UBT, Cong blame each other for Chandrapur 'mess'

Allies Sena-UBT, Cong blame each other for Chandrapur 'mess'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

A dispute has erupted between MVA allies Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress after the Sena (UBT) supported the BJP in the Chandrapur mayoral elections, leading to a BJP victory despite Congress being the single largest party.

'Upset' Tharoor meets Kharge, Rahul; says 'all is good'

'Upset' Tharoor meets Kharge, Rahul; says 'all is good'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor met with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi amid reports of discontent, stating that he is on the 'same page' with the leadership.

India among 13 nations to be invited to Tarique Rahman's swearing-in

India among 13 nations to be invited to Tarique Rahman's swearing-in

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Highlighting the party's broader stance on international relations, he added, "Friends to all, malice to none."

Tarique Rahman Sworn In As Bangladesh PM

Tarique Rahman Sworn In As Bangladesh PM

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri attended the swearing-in ceremony.

Assam Cong ex-chief Borah quits, seeks time as BJP woos him

Assam Cong ex-chief Borah quits, seeks time as BJP woos him

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Borah told reporters outside his residence that he has sought time from the Congress high command to reconsider his decision

'Humiliated' Mamata storms out of meeting with CEC

'Humiliated' Mamata storms out of meeting with CEC

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with families affected by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, met with the Chief Election Commissioner to voice their concerns and demand a halt to the revision process.

Telangana: 500 strays killed to fulfil panchayat poll promises

Telangana: 500 strays killed to fulfil panchayat poll promises

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

In a fresh incident of stray dog killings, around 200 canines were allegedly killed in Telangana's Kamareddy district, taking the toll to about 500 in the last one week, police said on Tuesday.

BJP dominates Maha municipal polls, tops five of six divisions

BJP dominates Maha municipal polls, tops five of six divisions

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The BJP has emerged as the most dominant force in the recently-held municipal council and nagar panchayat elections in Maharashtra, securing the highest number of seats in five out of the state's six administrative divisions.